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The Stream-entry Buddhist Blog

Long-format Pāli Canon-based Teachings and Essays



by Upāsaka Michael Turner

(f.k.a. Anagārika Pasannacitta)


Buddhist Therapist, Life Coach, and Dharma Trainer

 — One-on-One Buddhist Training by Request — 



practical teachings. insightful answers. penetrating essays.
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DISMISSED: "YOU WON'T BECOME A STREAM-ENTERER" — A dismissal letter from a Buddhist stream-entry teacher to his student for wrong views, violent entertainment, and incorrect practice — and explaining the deeper meaning of Buddhist renunciation.

4/19/2025

2 Comments

 
⚲ this post has been pinned to the top of the blog
This is my final teaching letter to a student who is choosing to remain misinformed on what Buddhism is, the importance of contemplation, and how meditation should be practiced if stream-entry is ever to be genuinely experienced.
Attaining achieving stream-entry is hard. Here's how to do it. Become a stream-enterer.

Becoming a Stream-enterer is hard. Here's how to do it.


​As a teacher dedicated to guiding my students toward spiritual progress, I sent a detailed letter to a middle-intermediate Dhamma practitioner and meditator explaining why I am dismissing him from my program.  In this letter, I explain the importance of correct and sufficient practice and I outline and detail the harmful nature of the various Wrong Views he subscribes to that are hindering his spiritual progress, such as his attachments to violent entertainment and modern interpretations of the Dhamma, his desire for shortcuts to enlightenment, his reliance on "insight meditation" (vipassana), and his clinging to the myth that the jhānas equate to stream-entry or any other stage of Buddhist enlightenment.  I also took the opportunity to explain what Buddhist renunciation truly means for those who are dedicated to achieving stream-entry, a.k.a., awakening; and the critical importance of yonisomanasikāra in the development of Right View and progress along the Buddhist path.
​

Teacher's Note

​Why I am sharing this private letter publicly?
​

In short: because people want awakening, but they are going about it all wrong.

I am sharing this letter with others not only because it brings light to what Buddhism actually is — beyond the misrepresentations of Buddhism that are overwhelmingly prevalent today — but also because it serves as a clear manifesto of the approach that I follow in my instruction of the early Buddhist texts (EBT) to my students; with the emphasis being on learning and cultivating the views and practices that slope them toward stream-entry, or beyond.  My intention is to provide potential future students with a clear understanding of what they can expect from me and my guidance as someone who successfully coaches veritable stream-enterers.

While reading this, it is absolutely necessary to understand that what I teach, and how I teach it, reflects my understanding of where each of my students are along the Buddhist Path and what each one of them needs to hear and do in order to make further progress toward nibbāna.  I don't teach them how to get to stream-entry or arahantship as much as I teach them how to make continuous progress from where they are on the spectrum of spiritual development, gradually taking them to higher and higher attainments along the Buddhist Path.  In support of that, I don't teach "generally" to any of my students; I teach precisely to each of my students based entirely on their individual needs and abilities. Accordingly, I am holding the student that this letter is directed at to a set of standards that are uniquely appropriate to his level of experience, his current place along the Path, and his personal hindrances — these standards should not be taken to apply to all (or any) of my other students.

For additional information on my approach and my teachings, please see this page.
​
(the student's name has been changed for confidentiality) ​

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2 Comments

Meditation, Suffering, and The Dark Night of the Soul—Awakening Explained

4/18/2025

1 Comment

 
Dispelling misunderstandings about meditation, vipassana retreats, the jhānas, stream-entry, proper Buddhist path practice, insights into dukkha, and the Dhamma.
Meditation & Dark Night of the Soul Explained

Understand Meditation Dukkha Ñāṇa & The Dark Night of the Soul



This article is about stream-entry, also known as awakening. However, to effectively explore this topic, I will first introduce a concept referred to as the "dark night of the soul," an idea that the meditation industry has adopted to describe the emotional or psychological distress practitioners experience after intensive meditation or following a profound spiritual awakening attainment (stream-entry) and the potential pitfalls and dangers of attending extended vipassana meditation retreats.  We will explore the Buddha's approach to teaching enlightenment found in the suttas to understand the roles of meditation and the jhānas, along with their connection to stream-entry, the "dark night of the soul," and the "dukkha ñāṇa" phenomena.  If you are sincerely interested in attaining stream-entry, this article will be of value to you on your journey.​

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The Four Elements: Understanding The Buddha's Teachings on Nonself & Anattā

12/25/2023

3 Comments

 
Understanding how to practically apply the Buddha's teachings of the Four Elements of earth, water, fire, & air.
The Four Elements and Their Relevance in 21st Century Buddhism: the practical application of the Buddhist teachings on the Four Elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air to our practice today.

Everything is made up of Earth, Water, Fire, Air (and Space) Elements – even in the 21st Century



​In this teaching we dive into the details to review the Four Elements of physical formations, what they are, and how they are relevant to 21st century Buddhist practice and cultivating our understanding of anattā, the Buddhist concept of Nonself.

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3 Comments

Mastering Buddhist Right Speech (2): A Guide to Idle Speech and Small Talk

8/18/2023

4 Comments

 
How the fundamentals of Buddhist Right Speech can help you skilfully engage others in small talk and avoid the pitfalls of idle speech.
What is idle speech in Buddhism and small talk for Buddhists

A Complete Guide to Idle Speech and Small Talk for Buddhists



​In this practical teaching, I review the lesser-discussed notion of "idle speech," one of the components of Buddhist Right Speech — the third factor of the Noble Eightfold Path.  I also detail and provide examples of how practising Buddhists can skilfully engage in everyday small talk with people in ways that promote harmony, mutual respect, and deeper connections.

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4 Comments

When Monks or Nuns Use Wrong Speech While Giving Dharma Talks [Quick Q&A]

9/10/2022

2 Comments

 
When monastics tell jokes, use props, make fun, employ sarcasm, or raise their voices while giving Dharma talks.
Buddhist Monks in Prayer

What does the Dhamma-Vinaya have to say about monastics who employ wrong speech when sharing or discussing the Dhamma? Is this ever OK?


​In this short "dharma bite," I answer this single question.

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AUDIO: Mettā Meditation and Analytical Meditation - How to Do Them Correctly [Dharma Talk MP3+Transcript Included]

2/2/2022

2 Comments

 
A short Dharma talk on (1) how to do loving-kindness meditation correctly, (2) how to do Analytical meditation correctly, and (3) how they are used to make progress.
A Dharma talk on (1) how to do Mettā mediation correctly, (2) explaining how it is differs from Analytical meditation, and (3) how to do Analytical meditation correctly.

How to generate genuine feelings of love and compassion while meditating.


Most people are doing mettā meditation (i.e., loving-kindness meditation) ineffectively. Why is this?  Because there are very few people who are actually teaching others how to do it correctly, and many of them are hidden away in Buddhist monasteries.  In this article + audio dharma talk I provide clear instructions to make your practice more effective for progress toward Buddhist Enlightenment.

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2 Comments

Mastering Buddhist Right Speech #1: A Complete Guide to Advice & Feedback

1/12/2022

11 Comments

 
How the fundamentals of Buddhist Right Speech can help you give advice and feedback that gets heard without rejection.
How the fundamentals of Buddhist Right Speech can help you give skilful advice and feedback that gets heard.

How to use Right Speech to Give Constructive Feedback



​In this teaching, I share how Buddhists can use the teachings of Buddhist Right Speech and Mindfulness to offer unsolicited advice to others, skilfully and kindly, and in ways that promote harmony, mutual respect, and appreciation from and for the people whom we have around us.

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11 Comments

Falling Asleep During Meditation? 5 Tips to Overcome the Hindrance of Torpor.

11/27/2021

6 Comments

 
"Sloth-and-torpor" is the third of the Five Hindrances to successfully meditating and cultivating concentration.

Stop falling asleep while you try to meditate.


​Do you find yourself getting drowsy or falling asleep when you are trying to meditate?  Unfortunately this affects many people.  
In this brief teaching, we will review the value of meditating with purpose and how to address the common complaint of "I keep falling asleep when I meditate, what can I do to stay awake?" And what to do if your attempts to stay alert fail.

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6 Comments

What Are the Eight Worldly Concerns and Why Must We Let Them Go?

10/29/2021

6 Comments

 
How being free of stress and anxiety means letting go of the things that you think will make you happy.
What are the Eight Worldly Concerns and how do they relate to your pursuit of happiness and your freedom from worry, stress, and anxiety.

Stress and anxiety are signs that you're doing something wrong.



​In this article, we will cover what the Eight Worldly Concerns are and how they relate to your pursuit of happiness and your freedom from worry, stress, and anxiety.

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6 Comments

Karma for Lay-people.  What is and What isn't Karma? And Why It Matters.

9/27/2021

10 Comments

 
Perhaps one of the most widely misunderstood concepts in all of buddhism and eastern philosophy: karma explained.
Perhaps one of the most widely misunderstood concepts in all of buddhism and eastern philosophy: karma explained.
What is Karma really? Is our life predetermined or do we have agency? And what does it have to do with who we are or what we experience?

'What is karma' explained by a Buddhist teacher


​In this short article, we will cover what Karma is and what it isn't; how it relates to destiny and free-will; and, its relationship to your happiness and your peace-of-mind.

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10 Comments

The Relationship Between Meditation, the Dharma, and Enlightenment?

5/5/2021

8 Comments

 
Until you learn how to turn your meditation and dharma practice into progress, you will never experience Buddhist awakening, streamentry, or the benefits of your practice.
The Relationship Between Meditation and the Dharma; How to Make Progress Toward Buddhist Enlightenment

How to practice Buddhism explained by a Buddhist teacher - Enlightenment is a real thing



​In this reply to a student question, I cover the basics of making real progress with your dharma and meditation practice; how to cultivate it; and, why doing so is so important to attaining Awakening and Enlightenment.  Because this is an email to a student, it assumes a certain understanding of Buddhism on the part of the reader.

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8 Comments

Practical Approach to Patience & Tolerance for Buddhists Practitioners

2/10/2021

0 Comments

 
Patience isn't a reward that is granted by praying for it, it's a skill that is cultivated by practicing it.
Patience
In this Q&A, we will learn about how Buddhists view and approach the teachings on kindness, tolerance, acceptance, and patience with others.

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0 Comments

Pity vs Compassion: How to Spot the Difference - Buddhism Explained

1/8/2021

7 Comments

 
Be a compassion expert by learning to stop pity at its root.
Compassion vs Pity

Compassion vs Pity Explained by a Buddhist Teacher



Compassion and pity are commonly misunderstood.  And this is equally relevant to both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.  While entire schools of Buddhism are anchored on the concept of compassion, and many compendia have been written on the topic, in this article we learn what they are, how they affect you, and how to adopt an easy way to spot the difference between them.

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7 Comments

The Altruistic Intention: What People Get Wrong About Buddhism, Enlightenment, and Bodhisattvas.

11/2/2020

16 Comments

 
Dispelling a very common myth about the Altruistic Intention and the Mahayana Bodhisattva Path; and how it applies to your practice and attaining enlightenment.
Altruistic Intention

What everyone gets wrong about The Altruistic Intention explained


​In this article we will (1) learn about the Buddhist Altruistic Intention: what it is, what it isn't, and how it applies to Bodhisattvas and to your practice.  We will also briefly (2) review what Buddhist enlightenment is and what it means to be "enlightened."

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16 Comments

Mindfulness Meditation Doesn't Work. Here's Why.

10/17/2020

4 Comments

 
There's a big problem with the Western Meditation movement that no one wants to talk about.  Until now.
Meditation not working?

Stop meditating wrong.


​In this article, we will cover what's wrong with western meditation, how to fix your practice, and why it's so important to attaining Awakening and Enlightenment.

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4 Comments

Buddhist Renunciation for Laypersons Explained (a practical how-to guide)

9/27/2020

10 Comments

 
Renunciation is about wanting to put an end to Samsara: the endless cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death.
Renunciation for laypeople

Buddhist Renunciation explained by a Buddhist teacher


​In this short article, we will cover what Renunciation is and what it isn't for lay-practitioners; how to cultivate it; and, why it's so important to attaining Awakening and Enlightenment.


​(Note: after you read this article, if you wish to learn more about what Renunciation means for 
deeply dedicated Buddhist practitioners, read this.)​

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10 Comments

Stop Meditating on Emptiness: You're Wasting Your Time - Buddhism Explained

6/23/2020

4 Comments

 
A unique approach to finally understanding sunyata that actually works for practice, growth, and Enlightenment.
Struggle with Emptiness?

Struggling to understand Emptiness? Read this.


​Emptiness is an challenging topic for the uninitiated and it presents an almost impossible learning curve to beginners who are just starting to explore the Buddhist path.  In this article we make some sense out of it and understand its place in your practice toward Buddhist Enlightenment.

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4 Comments

The Importance of Thinking About Death (and How It Can Help You) - Buddhism

5/13/2020

7 Comments

 
Despite common misconceptions, buddhists are not obsessed with death, they are obsessed with happiness.
Thinking about death

Embracing Life by letting go of Death


​​What is the point of thinking about death? Is it morbid or is it useful? And how can it be used by non-Buddhists to cope with dying, death, or loss?

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7 Comments

Analytical Meditation: What Is It and How to Do It - Buddhism Explained (Q&A Part Two)

4/21/2020

7 Comments

 
A very powerful, yet simple-to-understand practice.
Buddhist Analytical Meditation

What is analytical meditation and how to do it correctly?



Analytical meditation is a very powerful, yet simple-to-understand practice.  In this article we discuss what it is, how it works, and why it's such an important part of any mediation practice.

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7 Comments

Dharma: How to Correctly Study It & Practice Buddhism

4/18/2020

3 Comments

 
How To: Proper Buddhist Mindfulness and Meditation Practices

How to practice Buddhism explained by a Buddhist teacher


A brief article on how to use Buddhist texts to make progress in your practice.


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3 Comments
    Stream-entry Buddhist Blog
    ​by Michael Turner
    (f.k.a. Anagārika 
    Pasannacitta)

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    The Teacher

    Anagārika Michael Turner Buddhist Stream-entry Teacher, Awakening Trainer, Stream-enterer Coach
    Michael Turner, teacher and former Buddhist anagārika.

    "The only thing that prevents people from awakening, stream-entry, and directly experiencing the stages of enlightenment is incorrect instruction and/or insufficient practice."

    –  Michael Turner

    Hello! My name is Michael Turner (my Dhamma name is Upāsaka Pasannacitta).

    ​I am an Early Buddhism mentor, ariya-puggala (sakadāgāmi), therapist, coach, Buddhist 
    precept holder, and I spent eight years living and working as a Buddhist anagārika, a pre-monastic renunciant. I work with dedicated Buddhist practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced, to help them attain measurable progress toward happiness and nibbāna. This kind of one-on-one training is uncommon for most lay practitioners.  If you are interested, please visit my coaching page or training page to learn more,  or contact me to discuss becoming a Buddhist trainee today.

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Anagārika Michael Turner Pasannacitta Buddhist Teacher Philosopher, Dharma Coach, Meditation Instructor, Business Leader, Success Trainer, Mentor, Leadership Adviser, Executive Mentor
Michael Turner is a sakadāgāmi and a former Buddhist anagārika. He is also a deeply accomplished stream-entry mentor, applied-dharma coach, and Buddhist therapist. He emphasises and teaches the practical application of the Buddha's teachings in our everyday lives to overcome the problems that stand in the way of making measurable progress toward Buddhist enlightenment and he is particularly adept at explaining them in ways that can be easily understood and practiced by Western Buddhists. He has been meditating and cultivating the views and techniques that generate indestructible resilience, inner-strength, and direct experience for almost 30 years and has helped countless numbers of students and peers enhance and course-correct their practice to make veritable progress along the path toward Nibbāna.


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  • 🏠
  • Teachings, Blog, & Audio
    • Stream-entry Buddhist Blog
    • Achieving Stream-entry
    • Your Questions Answered
    • Session Audio Podcasts
    • Subscribe
  • Work With Me
    • Buddhist Happiness Coaching
    • Buddhist Path Training
    • Rates and Session Info
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